Solar Battery Maintainer Install

[LarryBud]

I have four 12 volt batteries to maintain over the winter. My building is off the grid with no easy ( inexpensive ) way to run a line to it.

After considerable research, I chose to run four individual units, one for each machine / battery. I didn’t like the idea of putting a hole in my building but it’s sealed up and looks OK. I also have the option of booking up a LED panel to each one for some winter light.

Time will tell whether this was a smart move or a waste of time and money. So far so good.

 

[ve9aa]

How deep does your snow get there in MO Larry?
(Around here they'd be under the snow by mid January for sure ;-)

Not sure what time of day you snapped the pic, but the panels look to be in at least partial shade.

 

[Joepa]

Do you have a parts list for the electrical equipment that you’d be willing to share?

 

[D2Cat]

I think I'd put them on the roof to keep thievery down! Looks good though,

 

[LarryBud]

Snow is an occasional and generally, a temporary situation. We may get 10” but it’s usually gone shortly there after.

I have these on the South Side for the winter sun. It will burn off any snow / ice pretty quickly.

 

[LarryBud]

I think I'd put them on the roof to keep thievery down! Looks good though,

Good point. They can’t be seen from the road so someone would need to be sniffing around on foot. I’m not keen on mounting something on the roof for a number of reasons. I hope the crooks stay away.

 

[LarryBud]

Not sure what time of day you snapped the pic, but the panels look to be in at least partial shade.

In the shade now in the late afternoon. Those leaves will be gone soon so it will just be the bare branches to deal with.

Plus, they do pretty well with ambient light but of course, full sunshine is best.

 

[LarryBud]

Do you have a parts list for the electrical equipment that you’d be willing to share?

this is what I used. I’ve had one unit for a few weeks and it’s been good thus far. It’s a pretty nice package.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0956QFKVY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Disconnect-Harness-Connector-Extension-Motorcycle/dp/B07D54QN6B/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=25%27+12v+line+extension&qid=1634425883&sr=8-11

The 25' lines did not lose me any charging power if my testing with voltmeter was accurate. I'm not an electrician. Just an amature.

 

[Joepa]

this is what I used. I’ve had one unit for a few weeks and it’s been good thus far. It’s a pretty nice package.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0956QFKVY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Disconnect-Harness-Connector-Extension-Motorcycle/dp/B07D54QN6B/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=25%27+12v+line+extension&qid=1634425883&sr=8-11

The 25' lines did not lose me any charging power if my testing with voltmeter was accurate. I'm not an electrician. Just an amature.

Looks like my next project, thank you.

 

[LarryBud]

Just an update from 6 weeks down the road. I've done a few battery checks with the voltmeter and everything thing is being maintained as expected.

I think this is a fine option for about $60 / battery. We'll see how it works for the long haul.

 

[mikester]

Hopefully they work well for you. I tried a cheap solar battery maintainer that killed my good battery because it drained the power at night with no sunshine.

I bought a more expensive trickle charger and use it only once a month to top up my ZTR and motorcycle batteries during the winter.

 

[LarryBud]

Pulsing it is an option. If they work as advertised, i should be good to go.

it’s been a month since last be run my truck or tractor ( that’s another story ) but I measured the voltage when I put the charger on and then a month later and they were within a few hundredths.

I’m calling that a success for now.

 

[Plant 175]

Interesting project thinking about dour that in mt shipping container. Is your stuff in a shed or shipping container? Can’t tell by the picture

 

[LarryBud]

Interesting project thinking about dour that in mt shipping container. Is your stuff in a shed or shipping container? Can’t tell by the picture

I'm in a Steel Building / Shed. It wouldn't make much difference but you'd need a way to feed the line from outside in. I drilled a hole and use a weather proof electrical box.

 

[Plant 175]

Any update is the charger working well ?

 

[LarryBud]

All good as far as I can tell. My truck, tractor and UTV start right up and my mower is charging but sidelined until spring. Hooking them back up is part of my departure routine and it appears the batteries are no worse for the wear.

It's nice to go out and not have to worry about a starting issue.

 

[Plant 175]

Larry
Did the charger work all winter ? Are you happy with the outcome this spring ?

 

[LarryBud]

Larry
Did the charger work all winter ? Are you happy with the outcome this spring ?

Still use them at all times when the vehicle(s) is not use. Very pleased with the results. Each battery is nice and topped off.

 

[LarryBud]

Hey there! I know this post is pretty old, but I wanted to chime in and say thanks for sharing your experience with the solar battery maintainers. It's great to hear that they're working well for you and your equipment is starting up without any issues.

18 months in and 3 of the 4 continue to work as new. I haven't spent the time to troubleshoot the issue but I feel pretty good about being able to figure it out.